…As UN Graduates 35 Nigerian Aviation Security Master Trainers
By Gift Samuel
Abuja-As the United Nations graduates 35 Nigerian aviation security Master Trainers in Abuja, the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has declared that Nigeria has commenced the procurement of arms for aviation security as they have no reason not to deliver.
The graduates who were trained under the capacity building project implemented by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) in partnership with the Nigerian government, are to deliver and sustain a high standard of aviation security screening across Nigeria’s civil aviation infrastructure.
The Minister while briefing newsmen on Friday, said that the government have started putting structures in place as well as training for the security personnel on how to use arms.
According to him; “They have commenced procuring the arms, we are commencing the training. You know it is not just to give arms to someone and they start using the arms. He has to be selected, he has to be the right person, have the right temperament, psychology and has to be master of the art and science of using weapon. He has to understand his civil force, he has to understand how to use it, when not to use it. It is not an easy thing”.
while tasking the graduates to implement what they have learnt as it is their duties as Master Trainers to train others to be better than them, he expressed believe that the United Nations action of selecting Nigeria to be the the first country for the training has put a burden on the shoulders of Nigeria, adding that as the first, Nigeria has no excuse not to deliver.
He stated that, “The government has passed resolutions to give room for the reorganization of aviation security, they will be civil, the uniforms will change, they will look very civil, harmless, will not interfere in what is going on, will be at the background but they will be fully ready and alert to respond to any emergency that may arise. They should have capacity and ability to stop it before it happens”.
He however assured the UN,Nigerians, the aviation community and the world at large that they will be alive to their responsibilities as citizens and will work to protect lives and properties to make the aviation industry more secure and safer, stressing that he will continue to provide the necessary support needed to ensure optimum performance.
Earlier, The Director, United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre(UNCCT) Dr Jehangir Khan stated that the selection of Nigeria as the first country to receive the training shows the importance of Nigeria in both the global aviation security sector and over all counter terrorism efforts of UN member states.
While noting that the Master Trainers stand as a testament to the success of the joint effort and the seriousness with which the Nigerian authorities are addressing terrorism and violent extremism,he added that the UN recognizes that this is a significant accomplishment for Nigeria.
He commended the dedication and perseverance of the Master Trainers and urged them to continue to strive for excellence and to instil in others the passion to protect the aviation sector throughout Nigeria, stressing that the “fate of the aviation security in Nigeria now rests in your hands”.
